EA's sophomore midfielder Izzy Rohr scores winning goal against GA
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – It was an anticipated soccer match against rivals, Inter-Ac reigning champs Episcopal Academy and reigning PAISAA champs the Germantown Academy Patriots.
Both teams playing strong defense from the start as goalkeepers, EA’s Morgan Messner and the Patriots’ Liz Altomare tirelessly guarded their cages.
But the play of the game went to Episcopal sophomore midfielder Izzy Rohr. Rohr made the only score of the game in the 13th minute securing the 1-0 victory against the Patriots.
“I had a great thru ball from Molly O'Brien and I was right near the six-yard box. All I could think was do not hit the goalie, shoot anywhere but at the goalie. I took a deep breath and placed the ball in the corner. So much was going through my mind but I tried to stay calm,” said Rohr.
“I was impressed on how patient Izzy was before attacking the space. The timing of her run was perfect. Once she made contact, we could tell it was put on net and hard. GA had a strong keeper, so nothing was certain for us until we saw it hit the back of the net,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Andrew Fraggos.
Episcopal Academy senior captain Molly O’Brien, knew this game would be a challenge.
“We knew that they were a talented team so we had to come out strong in the first half, which was what we did. Every players’ work rate on our team was incredible to me,” said O’Brien. “Seeing how much everyone on the field cared about giving their all on the field made me feel like a proud captain.”
O’Brien was equally excited when Rohr scored.
"She made a perfect run in the box that was slotted perfectly by (junior forward) Josie Konopka for an easy goal. Izzy played amazing yesterday and I know she will keep it up for the rest of the season,” said O’Brien.
Fraggos, who is in his first year at the helm of the Churchwomen’s squad, emphasized the teamwork of his defense.
“Disciplined decision making and communication in our backline are the two areas we have been focusing much of our practice time. Specifically, communication between our center backs (Lilly Shaner and Maddie Loughead) and keepers, especially late in the game when our legs are getting heavy and thinking a step ahead isn't as simple. Morgan came up with some key saves to keep us on top,” said Fraggos.
One of those 8 key saves by Messner included a one-on-one against Patriots' junior Mackenzie Pluck.
Both teams face each other again on October 14th.
EPISCOPAL ACADEMY vs. GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
EPISCOPAL ACADEMY FIELD HOCKEY WIN BY ONE IN STRONG CONTEST AGAINST THE PATRIOTS
Inter-Ac League Title holders and PAISAA Champions, the Episcopal Academy Field hockey team is off to a good start as they hosted Germantown Academy in their first Inter-Ac league face-off of the season Tuesday.
The Patriots (5-2 overall, 0-1 Inter-Ac) played tough throughout against the strong defensive Churchwomen line.
Despite GA’s attacks the Churchwomen’s (3-2, 1-0) offensive line took the lead with the score of 2-1 at the half.
“It is always nice to score early, but we knew we had to stay aggressive and play our best for the full 60 minutes in order to win,” said senior captain and Stanford commit Corinne Zanolli.
Zanolli who made that first goal within the first 7 minutes of the game emphasized the role her entire squad had on the field.
“Everyone came together giving one-hundred percent effort for the team,” said Zanolli.
EA senior captain Corinne Zanolli scores first goal of game from pass by midback Katie Crager
“Our midfielders and forwards connected well, applied good pressure to GA's defense, and were able to score some great goals. Our defense made some key tackles and clears to get the ball out of our defensive end and our goalies had some important saves. Every player stepped up to contribute in a meaningful way and that was the key to our success today,” said Zanolli.
The Patriots managed to score their final goal on a penalty corner with no time left on the clock. EA won 5-4.
“GA is a good team with lots of weapons,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Gina Buggy.
“I think we moved the ball will and took advantage of our scoring opportunities. Our defense was patient our middies aggressive and goalkeepers were solid,” said Buggy.
“I'm proud of the overall team effort today, and confident that we can make the necessary adjustments that were highlighted in this loss,” said Germantown Academy head coach Jackie Connard ’06.
EPISCOPAL ACADEMY vs. GERMANTOWN ACADEMY FIELD HOCKEY
Senior captains Ali Crump and Isabelle Jacobs both had strong games playing defensive midfield for the Patriots and junior Colleen Carrigan and sophmore Sammy Popper (Princeton commit) created a lot of opportunities in the attack against this aggressive EA team.
League play continues for both teams this Friday as the Churchwomen hosts Penn Charter. The Patriots are on the road with a game against Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
GAME STATS:
Episcopal Academy
Goal Scorers: Corinne Zanolli (2), Maddie Rehak (2), Olivia Tuma (1)
Assists: Maddie Rehak (1), Genevieve Becker (1), Kathleen Anderson (1)
Goalies: Bridget Boyle, Caroline Kelly
GAME STATS:
Germantown Academy
Goal Scorers: Carli McCrossen (1), Sammy Popper (3)
Assists: Colleen Carrigan, Ali Crump, Maddi Ota
Goalie: Hannah Santos